A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a sudden, unexpected injury that causes damage to the brain. It can be a result of a violent blow, shock, or bump to the head, which is a closed head injury.
A TBI can also occur when an object penetrates the skull – damaging the brain, which is referred to as a penetrating injury.
CAUSES OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
The main cause of a traumatic brain injury may vary on the type of head injury that a person has experienced. A neurologist may help guide you better.
However, there are common causes of a closed head injury, such as:
- Falls – this is especially noticed in individuals aged 65 and older.
- Automobile crashes – this is seen more in young adults.
- Sports injuries
- Being hit by an object
- Child abuse – frequently seen in children under the age of 4.
- Blast injury due to a loud explosion
A penetrating head injury is caused by
- A bullet or shrapnel
- A weapon such as a hammer, knife, or baseball bat
Any head injury that causes a bone fragment to penetrate the skull. Accidents such as natural disasters, explosions or other life-threatening events can cause both closed and penetrating TBI in the same person.
SYMPTOMS OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
The symptoms and signs of a mild traumatic brain injury involve:
- Headache and concussions
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Speech problems
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurry vision, ringing sounds
- Poor taste or loss of ability to smell
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Loss of consciousness for several seconds to a few minutes
- In a state of confusion or disorientation
- Memory or concentration issues
- Mood changes or mood swings
- Feeling depressed or anxious
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sleeping more than often
Moderate To Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries involve any of the symptoms of a mild injury as mentioned above. Additionally, the following symptoms may be experienced by an individual following the first few hours of a head injury:
- Loss of consciousness from a few minutes to hours
- Constant headache
- Continuous vomiting or nausea
- Tremors or seizures
- Dilated pupils
- Clear fluids coming out of the nose or ears
- Difficulty in being wakened up from sleep
- Numb or weak fingers and toes
- Loss of coordination
- Deep confusion
- Agitation, tension and unusual forms of behavior
- Inaudible speech
- Coma and other forms of unconsciousness
HOW IS TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) DIAGNOSED?
If you or someone you know has experienced a head injury or any other trauma to the head that may have caused a TBI, then get medical help as soon as possible. Your doctor will:
Ask about your symptoms and the details of your head injury
Carry out a neurologic exam
Conduct tests such as a CT scan or MRI
May also perform neuropsychological tests to analyze how your brain is functioning